Hamas

(asked on 20th July 2020) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of allegations that senior members of Hamas’ Political Bureau are personally (a) designated terrorists by the US government and (b) subject to UK Terrorism and Terrorist Financing sanctions.


Answered by
James Brokenshire Portrait
James Brokenshire
This question was answered on 28th July 2020

The Government and the security and intelligence agencies keep the threat from terrorist groups, including Hamas, under review. In March 2001, the Government proscribed the military wing of Hamas (Hamas Izz al-Din al-Qassem Brigades), as a terrorist organisation. It is criminal offence in the UK to be a member of the military wing. The investigation and prosecution for all criminal offences, including whether an actual offence has been committed, is a matter for the police and Crown Prosecution Service

The Terrorist Asset Freezing Act (TAFA) 2010 permits HM Treasury to designate an individual or entity for sanctions if they meet the statutory test. Currently there are three individuals designated under TAFA 2010 who are associated with Hamas. Hamas, including its military wing, is also subject to financial sanctions in the UK through the EU counter-terrorism sanctions regime CP931.

The Government does not routinely comment on intelligence matters. While we work closely with our international partners in the global fight against terrorism, any executive action must be underpinned by intelligence that satisfies the UK’s criminal and statutory thresholds.

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